Customer Reviews

I Against I

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ok, it's not the early, tempestuous Bad Brains of the ROIR release. It's not the steamlined genuis of Rock for Light. It's still powerful, frenetic, blazing, gutsy music the likes and equal of which you will never hear... This CD still doesn't sound dated, nigh 20 years after its release. Name any band currently enjoying the vogue of empty-vee and pop success and place their best album up against this gem. There is no comparison. Stop lyin!

Not only did Bad Brains define the HC movement, launching a thousand bands- they then went on to pioneer and set the platinum standard for post-punk/metal/funk/reaggae/soul fusion. You're looking at it right now. Dr. Know's ability on guitar should make every other would-be shredder hang his head in shame. HR is perhaps the only vocalist in his genre who can get away with hand wringing, lyrical archaisms such as "Him that oppress reproach his maker, he that honor him have mercy on the poor." Try to imgaine the lead singer from SUCKubus singing that line, intoning such an overtly biblical syntax and pulling it off like'd as if he was Moses. Or any other frontman for that matter. The band is unassailable. No one can come close to matching the propulsive fury, sensual elegance, blinding energy, ecstatic passion and frenetic pulse of this band.

This CD is alive. ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know some might miss the breakneck speed they were known for on their earlier albums. I know that some might think they have too many musical influences to considered "pure" punk. Get over it. This is a masterpiece regardless of genre. It is one of my favorite albums of all times because it is one of the greatest albums of all time. Dr. Know's guitar sound is the most crunchy, distorted, howling sound emanating from an amp I've ever heard. The drum sound is cracking perfect. The album is perfect. You will skip zero tracks. If you've never heard this album, you are extremely unfortunate. It should be issued to everyone with a CD player -- just packaged inside the player's carton when you purchase it. It would save time, and educate the masses.

I remember being in a record store in 1986, and someone saying they were going to play, for the first time, the new Bad Brains record. I was floored. I already had accepted the fact that they were the best at what they did, even though I had to sit through the occasional reggae song. It was worth it, there is no question about it. But when I heard the first chord of "Intro" I knew I was going to be in for quite a ride. I was, totally blown away, and that is a major understatement.

This album manages to be everything the Bad Brains musically stood for. I know, personally, they were quite a handful, and not respected by many for their misogynistic, homophobic opinions. They overcome this by producing an album that I still listen to today. Produced by Ron St. Germain, it sounds as good as it is written and played.

This album is indeed one of the best albums I have ever heard. I could easily put this album on my top 5 albums of all time. The hardcore Bad Brains were great however I always felt they never showcased all of their talent with their earlier work. This album has it all. This album is the true masterpeice of Bad Brains. Unlike Quickness this album doesn't get slightly boring towards the end. It stays very tastefull all the way through. It showcases the true talent of the band. HR shows off his true singing vouice a lot more. You can tell the Doc put a lot of time into this on his guitar work, it's absolutly amazing and very inspiring. Earl and Darryl make the greatest back bone of all time. Highlight tracks include She's Calling You, Sacred Love, I Against I, Secret 77, Let Me Help, and Return To Heaven. Truly all of the songs on this c.d. are great the only one somewhat lacking something is Hired Gun. If your looking for great melody and amazing musicianship get this album. This is by far an album will influence you in everyway and an album you can listen to over and over. I would recommend getting I Against I first, then Rock For Light and finding which side of Bad Brains you like better. If you love them both like I do get The Youth Are Getting Restless it has everything on it. Also if your into band history and are interested in finding how the orginal of Bad Brains get Black Dots. Black Dots was my first Brains c.d. and I was hooked on it. Bottom line, get this, own this, love this, praise it, well have fun with it!

This is my personal favorite Bad Brains album. If you're expecting something like their first album you'll be shocked. I Against I has little resemblance to the Bad Brains that released the masterpiece self-titled album and Rock For Light a few years before. On this one they slow it down (quite alot on some songs and just a little on others) and make even more of an original sound. The sound they achieve on here is probably best described as just plain beautiful; if you don't get chills running down your spine from the start of the album to the end of "Sacred Love" you may need to check some things out. This album gets my highest reccomendation and I hope you will fall in love with this album as much as I did; it's as much of a life-changer as the self-titled album.

In 1987, I was listening to Prince, classic R&B and Nu Wave music, a friend of mine who used to host a music video show on alternative music (when the term meant something)played the title track to this album. It shocked the heck outta me seeing four black gentleman playing "hardcore" and then mixing it up with reggae and dub music at the time.It took me another 3 years after I listened to 'Quickness' then went back to this album and was blown away by it's sound and power. It's musical diversity is so evident from the title track to my favorite Bad Brains song "Re-igintion" to "House of Suffering". And like Public Enemy, it changed my musical outlook and put me on the path to seek out other musical sounds and black alternative music to this day. Get this album now!!!!!

You want a GREAT rock record???..get this!!!..I would rather hit myself in the crotch with a hammer than live without it.

I would have never had made it through my teens without these guys. I have met all members of the band and, despite HR being a little flighty in converation, they are truely wise human beings. Rock for Light opened my eyes and I against I assisted in helping me find out who I was and what I would be. Powerful music, powerful musicians.

Fugazi owes it debt to these guys, as well as the Cro-Mags, Pantera, Living Color need I say more. This album is powerful as any quartet can be. Very minimal over-dubs tight in the pocket sonic grooves. Speed and passion execution. HR's vocal are up and out there. Dr.Know's blistering guitar attack and solos with one of the tightest rhythm sections in all of punkdom.if you have never heard the Bad Brains this is a must have. I love to drive with this CD on. A little know fact about Sacred Love, HR actually called in his vocals from prison (Lorton Pen. Lorton VA), using the phone in the Warden's office. I agtainst I and House of Suffering take off, Re-Ignition is as funky as all get out. A must have of rock fans

Was there ever a more atypical punk/hardcore record, or a better one for that matter, than "I Against I"? Ever single song on this album bursts with energy, intelligence and, dare I say, inspiration. The musicianship is first rate, H.R.'s vocals are the most versatile to ever grace punk rock and inspire goosebumps on track after track. On an album like this it's hard to point out standout tracks but if I was made to choose I would have to point out the title track, "Let Me Help" and "Hired Gun" for it there that the band is most easily understood and appreciated. Of course, when one listens the album from start to finish it become a cohesive experience with let down.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, the greatest band to ever grace the face of this planet. Listen with your soul. See 'em live if you ever get the chance. It is truly a spiritual experience. This album, though quite different from their earlier stuff, is definitely a masterpiece. If you don't like it (or at least respect it), then go by the new Creed release and float away into oblivion. It's much safer that way.